Monthly Archives: February 2007

Cinnamon Bears

 

Individually wrapped in bright yellow packaging, Sweet’s Cinnamon Bears are hot (but not too hot) and big (but not mammoth—just the right size for your gummy-loving appetite). Sweet’s quality candies are based out of Salt Lake City (ironic, eh?), and their line also includes fruity Nummy Bears, Sour Bears and Black Tie Bears. But the cinnamon variety is truly top-notch. Open up this wrapper, and you’ll unpack a gummy treat that isn’t sugared on the outside like gummy fruit slices, but one that has a smooth outer surface wrapped around firm cinnamon innards. About an inch tall, Sweet’s bears are quite sizable when compared to gummy candies produced by other companies like Hairbo. The bear itself, being larger than most, has a visible smiling expression. But don’t feel bad about hurting this guy—he gets his pleasure out of making consumers happy.

The texture is, as I said before, firm or dense unlike the gummier chews available, making it a filling and satisfying treat. You can eat a handful of these for a well-portioned snack. Cinnamon Bears have been around for years and years; Sweet’s started as a family tradition in Portland, Oregon in 1892 by Leon Sweet. In those days, all of the company’s candy was made by hand, and varieties were limited. But the people couldn’t get enough. By the time these candy makers moved the company to Utah in 1900, they had earned a reputation for quality that still holds true today. Though they currently manufacture over 250 products, Sweet’s is still most famous for Cinnamon Bears, Chocolate Orange Sticks and Salt Water Taffy. I’ve only recently discovered these delicious Cinnamon Bears, but am already hooked on them. They are a perfect blend of sweet and spicy cinnamon, and I’d grab a handful on the go anytime. It’s no wonder they’ve been around for so long, a candy tradition that’s meant to be discovered.

Dubble Bubble Assorted Flavors

 

Classic pink bubble gum. A time capsule that takes you back to your very first taste. Its flavor stands alone. It cannot be touched. But that doesn’t mean its traditional taste can’t be supplemented by new and inventive flavors. The original pink Dubble Bubble gum was brought to life in 1928 by inventor Walter Deimer. (The title for inventor of bubble gum in general is up in the air, but Deimer is often credited.) Rather than coming out with round gumballs, these gum cubes as he made them were in stores within a decade. In fact, this gum was given to U.S. soldiers as rations during WWII. Actual gumballs were also produced under the brand around this time. Two flavors were introduced in 1945: grape and apple. The makers printed comic strips on the wrappers to add to their commercial appeal. World Records came next, as the American public learned just how large a little girl could blow a bubble of gum—20 inches wide! History is steeped in these tiny packages of gum, but Dubble Bubble is also looking forward to a bright future.

Today, Dubble Bubble cubes come in brightly colored wrappers twisted on the end like Tootsie Rolls, in flavors like watermelon, pink lemonade, apple, blue raspberry, and sour cherry. Assorted flavor tubs are available, which make this candy a great option for “candouts??? (candy handouts) around Halloween or other holidays. Dubble Bubble’s flavor doesn’t last especially long, and the gum is sure to turn tough after chewing a piece too long, but these gum squares are so affordable that it’s easy to just pop in another one. I don’t chew bubble gum on a regular basis, but have had my share of these gum squares over the years. And these flavors are a nice change of pace if you’re looking for exciting tastes and colors. Try the blue raspberry for a real splash of Smurf-like color on your palate.